Saturday, March 30, 2013

Teen Collapses, Dies After Jogging

An 18-year-old HSU fresman died Saturday morning after jogging with a friend, the university is reporting. The young woman, Jessica Garcia, had been sitting in the bleachers at the Redwood Bowl when she was stricken. Fellow students and coaches tried to help before she was taken to Mad River Hospital, the university said in a press release.

Garcia was from Reseda, and had been living in an on-campus residence, HSU said. The cause of her death wasn't immediately known.

The press release is here:

HSU Student Dies After Collapsing on Campus

Jessica Garcia, an 18-year-old freshman at HSU, died this morning shortly after being rushed to the hospital from Redwood Bowl.

Garcia had been jogging with a friend, and then collapsed while sitting in the bleachers. Her friend, other students and HSU coaches nearby attempted to aid her, as did campus police who arrived within minutes.

Garcia was taken to Mad River Hospital, but could not be revived. The hospital has been in contact with her family, and HSU President Rollin Richmond has also called her family to express condolences on behalf of the campus community.

Jessica Garcia was a freshmen from Reseda, California. She was living in the residence halls on campus.

The cause of her death is unknown, but may have been a medical problem. University officials and police are investigating, and are working closely with other local agencies including the County Coroner's Office.

The University is offering counseling and support to students and others. Campus staff will also reach out to Garcia's professors and the students in her classes.

Anyone from the campus community needing support is encouraged to contact the Counseling Center at 826-3236.